As part of International Sherry Week, we attended the paired wine-tasting sponsored by Vino Veritas and organized by Mariana Ochoa de Retana who is a vitviniculture technician, a Certified Sherry Wine Educator, and a Sherry Explorer. It took place at Calle Larga 70, which is the old palace and home of Blas de Lezo who was one of the best military strategists in the history of the Spanish Armada. Eduardo Otaolaurruchi Muñoz, a poet, writer, and historical investigator, provided us with a very interesting talk on Blas de Lezo.

After the talk, Mariana introduced the different wines that were paired with a variety of tapas. She served Lustau´s White Vermouth, Osborne´s Bailén Oloroso Sherry, Fundador winery´s Harveys Bristol Cream , Lustau´s East India Solera Sherry, and Osborne´s Pedro Ximénez. They were all perfectly paired with some very elaborate tapas. The final touch was a glass of Cacao Pico liqueur accompanied by some Cien Palacios, artisan-made “tejas” (almond pastries) and some cherry marmalade made by Contigo artisan-made preserves.

There was a good group of Sherry Explorers who just could not miss out on such a wonderful and well-done tasting. Excellent job, Mariana!